Decanting wine has been a long-standing tradition that many wine enthusiasts swear by. The process involves pouring wine from its bottle into a different vessel, typically a decanter, which is a wide-bottomed glass container designed to maximize the wine’s exposure to air. This is said to have several benefits. But is decanting necessary, or is it simply a matter of personal preference?

One of the main reasons people decant wine is to aerate it. Exposing the wine to oxygen allows it to breathe and release its aromas and flavors. Hence, this can be especially beneficial for younger, bolder wines that may need some time to open up and soften. Additionally, I find it interesting to do a quick decant (10-20 minutes) for wines, liked a sealed treasure, under a screw top. Understand that these wines haven’t had any exposure to oxygen, so their first opportunity might release an abundance of expression. 

Moreover, in older or unfiltered bottles, decanting can separate the wine’s juice from sediment (particles from grape seeds, skins, and yeast), yielding a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing pour.

However, it’s important to note that not all wines benefit from decanting. I might argue that many wines lose some subtleties if aerated for too long. For example, wines that have been aging in a corked bottle for years have already undergone a slow release of oxygen. These wines are likely ready to drink at maturity date without the influence of a decanter.

Ultimately, the decision to decant or not decant is a personal one, a choice that puts you in the driver’s seat of your wine-drinking experience. If you enjoy the ritual of decanting and believe it enhances your connection with the wine, go for it. I always encourage people to experiment with it—decant half the bottle or buy two of the same and decant one and not the other. Doing your own investigative research can truly elevate your wine journey. 

In the end, the most important thing is to enjoy your wine in a way that brings you joy. Whether you choose to decant or not, the most important thing is to savor each sip and appreciate the craftsmanship and complexity of the wine in your glass. Cheers!